While walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Matthew 4:18–22, ESV
God’s calling has an irresistible quality for those chosen by God. It often doesn’t come at the most comfortable or opportune times, but it is a calling that draws one away and to Himself. I know in my life when I have tried to resist, it has been harder for me. For years, God allowed me to wander and explore other options. During this time, I learned a lot and experienced many great things, but I also experienced some pains that I may not have had to endure. God was patient and continued to guide me and eventually brought me to the point where I could no longer deny or turn away. I have heard similar stories from others who have shared their testimonies of faith while I was in seminary. Not everyone will have a calling to the pastorate, but all Christians, chosen by God, have a calling in their lives. For Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, the work that they did by fishing became a passion they would be given for the souls and minds of people. These disciples became the stones upon which Christ began to build His Church. It is the institution that would bring transformation into the world. Christ’s mission began with a simple ask to some simple men, which would set a fire that would bring many new hope and new life. It is so powerful that it causes one to set aside all that was once seen as important in order to pursue it deeper. These men not only set aside their livelihood to pursue it but, for most, it would cost them their lives. For most of us today, we will not face the same struggles of the early disciples, but we know the hardship of our world as she cries out in agony in need of a Savior. We continue to carry out the nets that more may have their hearts captured by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.